New Year, Meh You

Anyone else noticing a serious funk going around? Maybe you're in it too. Tired. Unmotivated. Fatigued. Bored. Maybe even downright depressed. The hope and expectations of a "new year, new year" vibe can add salt to the wound. But we're still in the trenches with COVID and political turmoil. And the holidays had an added tension with navigating a special time that’s usually spent with family but while under the restrictions of social distancing. Plus, whatever stuff is going on that’s specific to you. It makes sense that a lot of us have a big old case of "not feeling it"!

So, what to do?

Acknowledge Your Funk with as Little Judgement as Possible

Don't deny it or judge it. It's understandable. And it's not wholly unique to you. You're not alone.  Then, let's control what we can control. Let's start with your physical wellbeing. If your body feels like shit, how can you expect to be super stoked on life? So, I'm talking about managing food, water and exercise. Try limiting drugs and alcohol that may provide momentary relief but increase lethargy, anxiety, and depression (including caffeine, nicotine, and excessive sugar). Try to maintain a sleep routine. Get sunshine daily. Take a few moments each day to breathe deeply or meditate, even a little goes a long way. 

On a more social/emotional front, there's a lot we still can control at this point. It's important to maintain social interactions...even if it’s not what it was in "the before times", do what you can to connect in a safe/socially distanced way with zoom or phone or outdoor meetings.

Do Small Daily Things to Build Joy

This could look like hobbies, music, TV, being in nature, etc. Find your joy and chase it.

Infuse Some Novelty

Try a new takeout restaurant, go to a new location to take a walk, read a new book. Try something new and bring novelty and sponenaiety into your life. This might help combat the boredom you are feeling.

And, don't forget, it’s ok to not have it all together and to need help. We are here and would love to support you and give more tools for this tough time. We are offering virtual therapy sessions to accommodate everyone and every need.

Making the Best Out of Life's Transitions

Life transitions can throw us off our game at times and we can start to feel unsettled and experience a spike in stress levels.

For instance, you just graduated, started a new job, moved to a new place and feel like finding a new grocery store will be the end of the world. Everything feels so different. Maybe you’re feeling disconnected or missing your old routines, even the ones you didn’t enjoy so much at the time. At least you could rely on some familiarity, right? What now?

Here are a few small but meaningful ways you can shift your mindset to ease into a life transition, make the best out of it, and take care of yourself while you do it.

Make Meaning

Transitions can be difficult, and they can also be wonderful if you look around. Moving in with your partner can offer new opportunities for connection. Starting a new job can lead you to connect with people you never would have met or learn a cool new skill. Kiddos transitioning to all-day Kindergarten can give you the opportunity to discover a hobby you love.

Create New

At times, we can get stuck doing the same things day by day, week by week. Life transitions can provide great opportunities to shake up your routine. Try to open yourself up to at least one new experience or exciting addition to your week, such as exploring a new park each weekend or tackling a project around the fixer-upper you just bought.

Increase Your Compassion

It can feel frustrating trying to get used to a new routine or life situation, and that frustration can lead us to put ourselves down or begin to mistreat those around us. Next time you experience this, try reminding yourself that you are in an overwhelming transition and engage in self-compassion. Take time to breathe, put the situation into perspective, and remember that you are capable of coping. 

If you feel like you are struggling with a life transition, we are here for you. Reach out with any questions you might have about what a session would look like for you, or book a session today.